Texas Memorial

A lone Texan stands guard on a cannon barrel surrounded by Yucca plants.

Quick Facts

Location:

Vicksburg National Military Park

Standing atop the formidable Railroad Redoubt is the Texas Monument. The Greek Doric, peristyle design was composed by the architectural firm of Lundgren and Maurer out of Austin, Texas. Dedicated in 1961, the Texas Memorial is the perfect spot in our park to better understand the viewshed of the Confederate defense toward the Union siege lines. The monument is constructed of red granite and features 11 steps, one step for each state of the Confederacy, which lead up to the stylobate, or temple floor. On the monument’s center wall is seen the Lone Star of Texas around which is a wreath – the left side of the wreath being a live oak branch, representing the strength of this native Texan tree, and the right side being an olive branch representing peace. The text emblazoned in gold gilding seen on the three walls of the monument include a description of the historic events which occurred at this site, an homage to a Texas soldier written by Marine Corps officer John W. Thomason, Jr. of Huntsville, Texas, and a list of the Texas units that served in the Vicksburg Campaign.

At center is the monument’s primary feature – a bronze work sculpted by artist Herring Coe of Beaumont, Texas. This striking Texas Soldier titled, “Sealing the Breech,” represents all Texas soldiers present during the May 22^nd assaults. He stands atop a 6-pounder cannon barrel as he gazes across the battlefield towards the Iowa Monument and its commanding color bearer. His attire appears as it may have on that hot May day in 1863.

Surrounding the base of the sculpture is a live Spanish Dagger Yucca Plant, present as both a representation of the State of Texas and as a discouragement of vandalism.

• Texas Memorial

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  A 2-minute and 2-second audio track describing the Texas Memorial in Vicksburg National Military Park.

  Date created:

  12/20/2022

  Audio Transcript

  Standing atop the formidable Railroad Redoubt is the Texas Monument. The Greek Doric, peristyle design was composed by the architectural firm of Lundgren and Maurer out of Austin, Texas. Dedicated in 1961, the Texas Memorial is the perfect spot in our park to better understand the viewshed of the Confederate defense toward the Union siege lines. The monument is constructed of red granite and features 11 steps, one step for each state of the Confederacy, which lead up to the stylobate, or temple floor. On the monument’s center wall is seen the Lone Star of Texas around which is a wreath – the left side of the wreath being a live oak branch, representing the strength of this native Texan tree, and the right side being an olive branch representing peace. The text emblazoned in gold gilding seen on the three walls of the monument include a description of the historic events which occurred at this site, an homage to a Texas soldier written by Marine Corps officer John W. Thomason, Jr. of Huntsville, Texas, and a list of the Texas units that served in the Vicksburg Campaign.

  At center is the monument’s primary feature – a bronze work sculpted by artist Herring Coe of Beaumont, Texas. This striking Texas Soldier titled, “Sealing the Breech,” represents all Texas soldiers present during the May 22nd assaults. He stands atop a 6-pounder cannon barrel as he gazes across the battlefield towards the Iowa Monument and its commanding color bearer. His attire appears as it may have on that hot May day in 1863.

  Surrounding the base of the sculpture is a live Spanish Dagger Yucca Plant, present as both a representation of the State of Texas and as a discouragement of vandalism.